Bouncing apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a bouncing apparatus adjustable between a pogo stick configuration and a stilt configuration. The bouncing apparatus has a first frame member and a second frame member removably coupled to the first frame member. Both the first frame member and the second frame member include a body, a piston moveable with respect to the body, and a first biasing member extending between the piston and the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/597,553, filed Feb. 10, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a bouncing apparatus. More particularly, in some exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a bouncing apparatus that can operate alternately as a pogo stick and a set of stilts.

BACKGROUND

Pogo sticks and stilts are popular entertainment items for kids and adults alike. Pogo sticks allow the user to bounce or jump with both feet moving together under the assistance of a spring or tension member, while stilts provide an elevated platform for walking.

SUMMARY

In some constructions, the present invention provides a bouncing apparatus including a first frame member. The first frame member has a first body, a first piston moveable with respect to the first body, a first biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the first piston and the first body, and a first foot support coupled to the first body. The bouncing apparatus also includes a second frame member removably coupled to the first frame member. The second frame member has a second body, a second piston moveable with respect to the second body, a second biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the second piston and the second body, and a second foot support coupled to the second body.

In other constructions, the above described bouncing apparatus may further include a first connector having a first plate member coupled to one of the first frame member and the second frame member, the first connector further having a second plate member coupled to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member, and where the first plate member is coupled the second plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the first configuration, and where the first plate member is not coupled to the second plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the second configuration.

In still other constructions, the above described bouncing apparatus may further include a second connector spaced a distance from the first connector, the second connector having a third plate member coupled to one of the first frame member and the second frame member, the second connector also having a fourth plate member coupled to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member, and where the third plate member is coupled to the fourth plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the first configuration, and where the third plate member is not coupled to the fourth plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the second configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bouncing apparatus in a pogo stick configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with portions of a body wall removed for clarity.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with a portion of a body wall partially removed and with a piston in an extended position.

FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with a portion of a body wall partially removed and with the piston in a refracted position.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a stilt configuration.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a stilt configuration.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with some details removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the footpad assembly of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 a is a front elevation view of a portion of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a collar removed to illustrate a footpad in an unlocked position.

FIG. 8 b is a front elevation view of a portion of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the collar removed to show the footpad in a locked position.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a handle of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with areas removed for clarity.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the handle shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate a first connector for the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second connector for the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a female member of the second connector shown in FIG. 12 with areas removed for clarity.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the male and female members of the second connector shown in FIG. 12 with areas removed for clarity.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views showing various stages of assembly of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 17 a and 17 b are front and back perspective views of another embodiment of a bouncing apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a section view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIGS. 17 a and 17 b taken along its midline.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIGS. 17 a and 17 b with sections removed for clarity.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a footpad assembly of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIGS. 17 a and 17 b.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a handle of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIGS. 17 a and 17 b.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bouncing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the bouncing apparatus shown in FIG. 22 with portions removed for clarity.

FIGS. 24-27 illustrate another embodiment of the first connector.

FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment of the second connector.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-16 illustrate a bouncing apparatus 10 able to operate as either a pogo stick or a pair of stilts. The apparatus 10 includes a first frame member 14 a and a substantially similar second frame member 14 b releaseably connectable to the first frame member 14 a. The user can assemble the apparatus 10 in either a pogo stick configuration (FIGS. 1-3), where the first frame member 14 a is attached to the second frame member 14 b, or a stilt configuration (FIGS. 4 and 5), where the first frame member 14 a is separate from the second frame member 14 b.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the first frame member 14 a includes a substantially tubular body 18 a, a piston 22 a received within and vertically movable with respect to the body 18 a, a footpad assembly 26 a adjustably coupled to the bottom 30 a of the tubular body 18 a, and a handgrip assembly 34 a adjustably coupled to the top 38 a of the tubular body 18 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body 18 a is generally non-circular in cross-section defining an axis 19 a therethrough and having a ridge 20 a extending axially along one side of the body 18 a. The body 18 a is open on both top 38 a and bottom 30 a ends. The body 18 a also includes a number of depressions 42 a, each spaced vertically from one another and formed in the ridge 20 a proximate the bottom 30 a of the body 18 a. When assembled, each depression 42 a provides a possible mounting location for the footpad assembly 26 a. More or fewer depressions 42 a may be included in the body 18 a dependent upon the number of footpad positions desired.

The tubular body 18 a also includes a set of positioning apertures 46 a (FIGS. 3 a and 3 b), each spaced vertically from one another proximate the top 38 a of the body 18 a. When assembled, each positioning aperture 46 a is sized to receive a snap 50 a (described below) to lock the handgrip assembly 34 a with respect to the body 18 a.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the piston 22 a of the first frame member 14 a is formed from tubular material and sized to be received telescopically within the bottom 30 a of the body 18 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 22 a has an outer diameter substantially slightly less than the inner diameter of the tubular body 18 a. The piston 22 a is moveable vertically into and out of the bottom 30 a of the body 18 a between an extended position (FIG. 3 a) and a contracted position (FIG. 3 b). When assembled, a biasing member or spring 54 a is positioned within the body 18 a that biases the piston 22 a towards the extended position. The spring 54 a extends between a stop (e.g., fastener 58 a) and the piston 22 a.

The piston 22 a also includes a pair of vertically oriented slots 62 a formed in the wall of the piston 22 a. The slots 62 a are generally vertically aligned with one another and spaced 180 degrees apart to allow a pin or fastener 66 a to pass therethrough. When assembled, the piston 22 a is secured within the tubular body 18 a by the fastener 66 a extending through the slots 62 a (not shown, but identical to slots 62 b) and a corresponding aperture in the body 18 a (FIGS. 3 a and 3 b). Furthermore, since the fastener 66 a travels along the slot 62 a when the piston 22 a moves with respect to body 18 a, the length of the slots 62 a at least partially defines the distance the piston 22 a can traverse within the body 18 a. In addition, the sidewalls (i.e., the width) of the slots 62 a define the extent the piston 22 a can rotate with respect to the body 18 a.

The piston 22 a also includes a foot or cap 70 a positioned on the distal end 74 a of the piston 22 a opposite the slots 62 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 70 a is generally formed from rubber or similar resilient material and is designed to impact the ground during use of the apparatus 10. Although the current embodiment utilizes a plain rubber cap 70 a, in alternate embodiments the cap may include a tread pattern and the like on its bottom to improve grip.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the footpad assembly 26 a is removably coupled to the body 18 a and adjustable vertically therewith. During use, the user places his or her feet on the footpad assembly 26 a. The footpad assembly 26 a includes a collar 78 a, a footpad 82 a pivotably coupled to the collar 78 a, and a clamp 86 a.

The collar 78 a is substantially “C” shaped having a first, curved portion 90 a at least partially surrounding the tubular body 18 a and a pair of panels 94 a, each extending from the first portion 90 a and defining a pair of apertures 98 a. When the apparatus 10 is assembled, the collar 78 a is slideable vertically along the length of the body 18 a.

Illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the footpad 82 a includes a plate 102 a on which the user places his or her foot while using the apparatus 10. The plate 102 a is substantially planar, and may or may not be covered by grip tape, rubber, or be textured to increase friction and grip. In some embodiments, the plate 102 a may also include a harness or strap to secure the user's foot to the plate 102 a.

The footpad 82 a also includes a rib 106 a extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom of the plate 102 a and terminating in a curved boss 110 a that can mate with depression 42 a. The rib 106 a defines a pivot aperture 114 a, proximate the boss 110 a, about which the footpad 82 a rotates between a locked position (FIG. 8 b), and an unlocked position (FIG. 8 a).

The clamp 86 a of the footpad assembly 26 a includes a handle 118 a having a cammed surface 122 a, and a pair of pins 126 a. When assembled, the pins 126 a extend through the apertures 98 a formed in the collar 78 a and through the pivot aperture 114 a of the footpad 82 a. The clamp 86 a is adjustable between a first position, where the cammed surface 122 a forces the panels 94 a of the collar 78 a towards one another (i.e., squeezes the panels 94 a against the rib 106 a), and a second position, where the cam 122 a allows the panels 94 a of the collar 78 a to move away from one another.

To adjust the footpad assembly 26 a along the first frame member 14 a, the user first pivots the clamp 86 a from the first position to the second position, loosening the assembly 26 a and allowing the footpad 82 a to pivot with respect to the collar 78 a. The user then pivots the footpad 82 a from the locked position (FIG. 8 b) to the unlocked position (FIG. 8 a), causing the curved boss 110 a to pivot out of the corresponding depression 42 a and allowing the footpad assembly 26 a to slide vertically along the length of the body 18 a.

The user then slides the footpad assembly 26 a vertically along the body 18 a until the footpad 82 a is in the desired position and aligned with the desired depression 42 a. The user pivots the footpad 82 a back into the locked position (FIG. 8 b) causing the boss 110 a to enter the corresponding depression 42 a and locking the footpad assembly 26 a in place. The user then returns the clamp 86 a to the first position, locking the footpad 82 a with respect to the collar 78 a. Once locked, any weight or force applied by the user to the footpad 82 a assembly is at least partially transmitted to the tubular body 18 a by way of the boss 110 a/depression 42 a interface.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and 9-10, the handgrip assembly 34 a extends from the top 38 a of the tubular body 18 a to provide a grasping point for the user's hands while using the apparatus 10. The handgrip assembly 34 a includes an extension tube 130 a and a handle 154 a pivotably coupled to a first end 138 a of the extension tube 130 a and defining an axis 131 a therethrough. The extension tube 130 a is received within the top 38 a of the body 18 a and can move vertically therewith. More specifically, the extension tube 130 a can be adjusted to change the distance between the top 38 a of the body 18 a and the handgrip 134 a (distance D, FIG. 5) to accommodate users of different heights.

The extension tube 130 a includes mounting boss 142 a positioned on the first end 138 a of the tube. The mounting boss 142 a is substantially cylindrical and includes a plurality of locking holes 146 a, each of which are sized to receive the pin 150 a of the handle 154 a (described below). The mounting boss 142 a also includes a bore (not shown) to define an axis of rotation for adjusting the handle 154 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the extension tube 130 a includes a spring loaded locking member or snap 50 a (FIG. 3 a-3 b) positioned opposite the first end 138 a. The snap 50 a is sized to be received within a corresponding one of the positioning apertures 46 a formed in the body 18 a. During use, the snap 50 a is used to lock the extension tube 130 a in place with respect to the body 18 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can depress the snap 50 a, allowing the extension tube 130 a to move vertically with respect to the body 18 a and adjust the overall height of the apparatus. In alternate embodiments, a locking collar (not shown) or other form of retention between the extension tube and body may be used in place of the snap 50 a.

Illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the handle 154 a of the handgrip assembly 34 a is coupled to the first end 138 a of the extension tube 130 a and is pivotable between a substantially horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., when the apparatus 10 is in the pogo stick configuration) and a substantially vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., when the device is in the stilt configuration). The handle 154 a is substantially cylindrical and is shaped to provide a comfortable grip for the user's hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 154 a is pivotably coupled to the attachment boss 142 a by a fastener 144 a passing through the bore.

The handle 154 a includes an outer shell 158 a defining a keyhole 162 a (FIG. 10), and an inner pin 150 a (FIG. 9) co-axial with the outer shell 158 a and moveable therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the keyhole 162 a is shaped such that the distal end 174 a of the pin 150 a can only pass through the keyhole 162 a in a limited number of orientations.

Illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inner pin 150 a includes a set of flanges 170 a extending radially proximate the distal end 174 a and a knob 178 a opposite the distal end 174 a. During use, the user can grasp the knob 178 a, allowing the user to rotate and axially displace the inner pin 150 a with respect to the outer shell 158 a. When assembled, the inner pin 150 a moves with respect to the outer shell 158 a between a secured or locked position, where the handle 154 a is locked with respect to the extension tube 130 a, and an unlocked position, where the handle 154 a may pivot with respect to the extension tube 130 a. More specifically, when the pin 150 a is in the locked position, the distal end 174 a is at least partially received within a corresponding one of the locking holes 146 a of the extension tube 130 a. Furthermore, when the pin 150 a is in the unlocked position, the distal end 174 a is not positioned within a locking hole 146 a. In the illustrated embodiment, a biasing member or spring 182 a biases the pin 150 a towards the locked position.

To lock the handgrip assembly 34 a in place relative to the extension tube 130 a, the user rotates the knob 178 a until the flanges 170 a align with the keyhole 162 a. The user then biases the pin 150 a axially through the keyhole 162 a, causing the distal end 174 a to be received within a corresponding one of the locking holes 146 a. The user then secures the pin 150 a in place by rotating the pin (e.g., generally 90 degrees), causing the flanges 170 a to misalign with the keyhole 162 a, locking the pin 150 a and handle 154 a in place.

To adjust the handgrip assembly 34 a, the user rotates the pin 150 a until the flanges 170 a align with the keyhole 162 a. The user then axially biases the pin 150 a through the keyhole 162 a, causing the distal end 174 a to retract from the locking hole 146 a. The user may then rotate the handle 154 a with respect to the extension tube 130 a into the desired orientation. The user then re-locks the handgrip assembly 34 a in the manner described above.

The second frame assembly 14 b is substantially similar to the first frame assembly 14 a and therefore will not be discussed in detail herein. Common elements have been given the same reference numbers with an added “b”.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and 11 a-11 b, the apparatus 10 also includes a first connector 186. The first connector 186 includes a male member 190 coupled to the top 38 b of the second frame assembly 14 b and a female member 194 coupled to the top 38 a of the first frame assembly 14 a. The two members 190, 194 are removably coupleable to one another to join the body 18 a of the first frame assembly 14 a and the body 18 b of the second frame assembly 14 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the female member 194 includes a plate 198 defining a keyhole 202.

Illustrated in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, the male member 190 of the first connector 186 includes a plate 206 extending toward body 18 a and a locking knob 210 rotateably coupled to the plate 206. The locking knob 210 further includes a locking lug 214 that can only pass through the keyhole 202 in a limited number of orientations. To secure the male member 190 to the female member 194, the user must introduce the lug 214 into the keyhole 202 in the direction A (FIG. 15), making sure the lug 214 is properly oriented so it can pass through the keyhole 202. Once the lug 214 has passed through the keyhole 202, the user rotates the knob 210, making the lug 214 misalign with the keyhole 202, and locking the two members 190, 194 together (FIG. 11 b).

Illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the apparatus 10 also includes a second connector 218 spaced vertically from first connector 186. The second connector 218 includes a male lug 222 coupled to the bottom 30 a of the first frame member 14 a and a female lug 226 coupled to the bottom 30 b of the second frame member 14 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the female lug 226 defines a keyhole 230 (FIG. 13). During use in the pogo stick configuration, the second connector 218 and the first connector 186 releaseably couple the first frame member 14 a to the second frame member 14 b in a parallel relationship.

The male lug 222 of the second connector 218 includes a protrusion 234 extending toward body 18 b when frame members 14 a, 14 b are connected. The protrusion 234 in turn includes one or more flanges 238 extending radially from a distal end 242 of protrusion 234. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 234 is secured to the remainder of the male lug 222 by way of a locking screw 246 (FIG. 14). The user can change the orientation of the flanges 238 by loosening the screw 246 and rotating the protrusion 234. By doing so, the user is able to alter what angle B (FIG. 15) the first frame member 14 a must be held with respect to the second frame member 14 b to allow the protrusion 234 to pass through the keyhole 230 (FIG. 15).

To lock the male lug 222 of the second connector 218 to the female lug 226, the user aligns the flanges 238 of the protrusion 234 with the keyhole 230 of the female lug 226 and inserts the distal end 242 into the keyhole 230 in the direction C (FIG. 16). The user then rotates the first frame member 14 a with respect to the second frame member 14 b along the axis defined by protrusion 234, causing the flanges 238 to become misaligned with the keyhole 230, securing the two frame members 14 a, 14 b with one another.

To place the apparatus 10 in the pogo stick configuration, the user first attaches the first frame member 14 a to the second frame member 14 b. To do so, the user orients the first frame member 14 a at an angle B (FIG. 15) with respect to the second frame member 14 b, causing the flanges 238 of the protrusion 234 to align with the keyhole 230 of the female lug 226. The user then inserts the distal end 242 of the protrusion 234 into the keyhole 230 in direction C (FIG. 16). Once inserted, the user rotates the body 18 a of the first frame member 14 a with respect to the body 18 b of the second frame member 14 b causing angle B to shrink, which in turn draws the plates 198, 206 of the first connector 186 together in direction A. Frame members 14 a, b are then parallel.

Once the locking lug 214 of the knob 210 is received within the keyhole 202 of the female member 194, the user can rotate the knob 210, as described above, securing the two frame members 14 a, 14 b to one another. The user may then adjust the footpad assemblies 26 a, 26 b and the handgrip assemblies 34 a, 34 b as describe above, preferably placing the handles 154 a, 154 b in the horizontal orientation.

Once the apparatus 10 is in the pogo stick configuration (FIGS. 1-3), the user can place one foot on each of the footpads 82 a, 82 b, grasp the handles 154 a, 154 b, and bounce as is well known in the art for pogo sticks. During use, the springs 54 a, 54 b of the first and second frame members 14 a, 14 b compress and extend in tandem to bounce the user with each jump.

To place the apparatus in the stilts configuration, the user first decouples the two frame members, working in reverse order as described above (i.e., decouple the first connector 186, rotate the bodies 18 a, 18 b to angle B, and decouple the second connector 218). The user may then adjust the footpad assemblies 26 a, 26 b and the handgrip assemblies 34 a, 34 b as appropriate, preferably placing the handles 154 a, 154 b in the vertical orientation (FIGS. 4 and 5).

Once the apparatus 10 is in the stilts configuration, the user may place his or her feet on the footpads 82 a, 82 b and grasp the handles 154 a, 154 b, using the individual frame members 14 a, 14 b as one normally uses stilts. The present invention also provides the additional feature that both pistons 22 a, 22 b will continue to operate (i.e., reciprocate), allowing the user to bounce with each foot individually. Although not illustrated, in alternate embodiments the user may lock the pistons 22 a, 22 b to provide a more rigid stilt walking experience.

FIGS. 17 a-21 illustrate a bouncing apparatus 10′ according to another embodiment of the invention. The illustrated bouncing apparatus 10′ includes much of the same structure and has many of the same features as the bouncing apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-16. Common elements have been given the same reference numbers with an added prime symbol. The following description focuses primarily upon structure and features of the bouncing apparatus 10′ that differ from the previous embodiment.

Illustrated in FIGS. 17 a-20, the footpad assembly 26 a′ of the bouncing apparatus 10′ includes a cylindrical sleeve 200 a′ coupled to the body 18 a′, a rib 204 a′ extending outwardly from the sleeve 200 a′ with a distal end 212 a′, and a plate 102 a′ coupled to the rib 204 a′ proximate the distal end 212 a′ to provide a surface on which the user may place his or her feet. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 200 a′ cannot move vertically on the body 18 a′ and is fixed in place.

Illustrated in FIGS. 17 a and 21, the handle 154 a′ of the handgrip assembly 26 a′ includes an outer shell 158 a′, and a rod 216 a′ co-axial with the outer shell 158 a′ and moveable relative therewith. The rod 216 a′ includes a distal end 220 a′, a threaded portion 224 a′ proximate the distal end 220 a′, and a knob 228 a′ attached opposite the distal end 220 a′. During operation, the user rotates the knob 228 a′, causing the rod 228 a′ to advance axially with respect to the outer shell 158 a′ by way of the threaded portion 224 a′. The rod 216 a′ moves with respect to the outer shell 158 a′ between a locked position, where the distal end 220 a′ is engaged within a corresponding one of the locking holes 146 a′, and a unlocked position, where the distal end 220 a′ is not received within one of the locking holes 146 a′.

To lock the handgrip assembly 34 a′, the user rotates the knob 228 a′ clockwise to move the rod 216 a′ towards the locked position and into engagement with the locking holes 146 a′. When the user wants to unlock the handgrip assembly 34 a′, the user rotates the knob 228 a′ counter-clockwise, causing the rod 216 a′ to move towards the unlocked position and out of engagement with the locking holes 146 a′.

Illustrated best in FIG. 20, the second connector 232′ of the bouncing apparatus 10′ includes a first member 236′ extending from the sleeve 200 b′ of the first frame member 14 b′, and a second member 240′ extending from the sleeve 200 a′ of the second frame member 14 a′. In the illustrated construction, the first member 236′ includes an annular wall or tube 244′ having a pair of channels 248′ formed therein. More specifically, the channels 248′ are substantially “L” shaped and sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding flange 252′ therein.

The second member 240′ of the second connector 232′ includes a protrusion 256′ sized to be at least partially received within the tube 244′ of the first member 236′. The second member 240′ also includes one or more flanges 252′ extending radially from the protrusion 256′ and sized to travel along the channels 248′ of the first member 236′.

To join the first member 236′ of the second connector 232′ to the second member 240′, the user axially aligns the protrusion 256′ with the tube 244′, making sure that the flanges 252′ are aligned with a corresponding channel 248′. The user then axially inserts the protrusion 256′ into the tube 244′ in direction E (FIG. 20), until the flanges 252′ reach the axial end of the channels 248′. The user then rotates the first frame member 14 a′ with respect to the second frame member 14 b′ causing the flanges 252′ to lock within the channels 248′.

Bouncing apparatus 10′ is otherwise assembled and used as bouncing apparatus 10.

FIGS. 22-23 illustrate a bouncing apparatus 10″ according to another embodiment of the invention. The illustrated bouncing apparatus 10″ includes much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the bouncing apparatus 10, 10′ illustrated in FIGS. 1-21. Common elements have been given the same reference numbers with an added double prime symbol. The following description focuses primarily upon structure and features of the bouncing apparatus 10″ that differ from the previous embodiment.

Illustrated in FIGS. 22-23, the piston 22 a″ of the bouncing apparatus 10″ is formed from tubular material and sized to be received within the bottom 30 a″ of the body 18 a″. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 22 a″ includes a ridge 270 a″ extending radially from a first end 274 a″. When assembled, the first end 274 a″ of the piston 22 a″ is telescopically received within the bottom 30 a″ of the body 18 a″ and secured therein by a sleeve 278 a″.

Illustrated in FIG. 23, the sleeve 278 a″ is substantially cylindrical in shape and is sized to be positioned between the body 18 a″ and the piston 22 a″. More specifically, when the first frame assembly 14 a″ is assembled, the sleeve 278 a″ is pressed into the bottom 30 a″ of the body 18 a″ where it contacts the ridge 270 a″ of the piston 22 a″ and ridge 280 a″ acts as a stop. During operation, the piston 22 a″ reciprocates vertically and rotates within the sleeve 278 a″ but is restricted from leaving the body 18 a″ by the ridge 270 a″ contacting the top of the sleeve 278 a″.

Bouncing apparatus 10″ is otherwise assembled and used as bouncing apparatus 10.

FIGS. 24-27 illustrate another embodiment 300 of the first connector. The first connector 300 of FIGS. 24-27 is used in much the same fashion as the first connector 186 described above. The first connector 300 includes a male member 304 coupled to the top 38 a of the first frame assembly 14 a and a female member 308 coupled to the top 38 b of the second frame assembly 14 b. The two members 304, 308 are removably coupleable to one another to join the body 18 a of the first frame assembly 14 a and the body 18 b of the second frame assembly 14 b.

Illustrated in FIGS. 25-27, the male member 304 of the first connector 300 includes a plate 312 coupled to the first frame assembly 14 a having a substantially cylindrical pin 316 extending perpendicularly from plate 312 and in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis 19 a of the body 14 a. In the illustrated construction, the pin 316 includes a distal end 320 that is tapered and defines a groove 324 extending around a circumference of the distal end 320.

The female member 308 of the first connector 300 includes a plate 330 coupled to the second frame assembly 14 b. The plate 330 defines an aperture 334 sized to allow the pin 316 to pass therethrough.

The female member 308 also includes a slider 338 slidably coupled to the plate 330 and defining a keyway 342. The keyway 342 includes a first opening 346 having a first diameter large enough for the pin 316 to pass therethrough, and a second opening 350 in communication with the first opening 346 having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and smaller than the outer diameter of the pin 316. During use, the slider 338 is moveable between a locked position (see FIG. 27), where the second opening 350 aligns with the aperture 334 of the plate 330, and an unlocked position (see FIG. 26), where the first opening 346 aligns with the aperture 334 of the plate 330. The slider 338 also includes a button 354 that extends beyond the plate 330 to allow the user to manipulate the position of the slider 338. In the illustrated construction, the female member 308 includes one or more elastic members 358 to bias the slider 338 into the locked position.

To operate the first connector 300, the user biases the slider 338 into the unlocked position by pressing in the first direction B on the button 354. With the first opening 346 of the keyway 342 aligned with the aperture 334 of the plate 330, the pin 316 of the male portion 304 is able to pass through the aperture 334.

Once in position, the user releases the button 354 whereby the slider 338 is biased, via the elastic members 358, into the locked position. Once in the locked position, the second opening 350 of the keyway 342 is partially received within the groove 324 of the pin 316, coupling the male member 304 to the female member 308 and joining frame members 14 a and 14 b.

To release the male member 304 from the female member 308, the user presses the button 354 in the first direction A, placing the slider 338 into the unlocked position. The user can then remove the pin 316 from the aperture 334, separating frame members 14 a and 14 b.

FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment 400 of the second connector 218. The second connector 400 of FIG. 28 is used in much the same manner as the second connector 218 described above. The second connector 400 includes a male lug 404 coupled to the bottom 30 a of the first frame member 14 a and a female lug 408 coupled to the bottom 30 b of the second frame member 14 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the female lug 408 defines a slot 412 open on one end and oriented in a facing relationship to male lug 404.

The male lug 404 of the second connector 400 includes a protrusion 416 extending therefrom and oriented to face female lug 408. The protrusion 416 in turn includes a flange 420 extending radially from a distal end 424 of protrusion 416.

To lock the male lug 404 of the second connector 400 to the female lug 408, the user aligns the protrusion 416 with the open end of the slot 412. The user can then introduce the protrusion 416 into the slot 412, making sure to keep the flange 420 within the female lug 408. Once positioned within the slot 412, the male and female lugs 404, 408 are coupled together and frame member 14 a and 14 b are also joined.

To detach the male lug 404 from the female lug 408, the user simply removes the protrusion 416 from the slot 412 by sliding the protrusion out of the open end of the slot 412. 

1. A bouncing apparatus comprising: a first frame member having: a first body, a first piston moveable with respect to the first body, a first biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the first piston and the first body, and a first foot support coupled to the first body; and a second frame member removably coupled to the first frame member, the second frame member having: a second body, a second piston moveable with respect to the second body, a second biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the second piston and the second body, and a second foot support coupled to the second body.
 2. The bouncing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first foot support is adjustable with respect to the first body.
 3. The bouncing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first hand grip coupled to the first body and a second hand grip coupled to the second body.
 4. The bouncing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first hand grip is adjustable with respect to the first body.
 5. The bouncing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first hand grip is vertically adjustable with respect to the first body.
 6. The bouncing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first hand grip defines a first axis and the first body defines a second axis, and wherein the first hand grip is adjustable between a first position where the first axis is generally perpendicular to the second axis, and a second position where the first axis is generally parallel to the second axis.
 7. The bouncing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first foot support includes a collar at least partially encompassing the first body, and a footpad pivotably coupled to the collar.
 8. The bouncing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first connector extending between the first frame member and the second frame member, and wherein the first connector includes, a male member coupled to one of the first frame member and the second frame member, the male member having a pin extending therefrom, and a female member coupled to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member, the female member having a slider defining a keyhole.
 9. The bouncing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the slider is moveable between a locked position where the pin is secured to the female member, and an unlocked position where the pin is free to be removed from the female member.
 10. The bouncing apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a second connector removably coupling the first frame member and the second frame member.
 11. A bouncing apparatus having a first configuration and a second configuration, the bouncing apparatus comprising: a first frame member including, a substantially tubular body, a piston at least partially received within and vertically movable with respect to the body, a biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the body and the piston, and a foot support coupled to the body; a second frame member including, a substantially tubular body, a piston at least partially received within and vertically moveable with respect to the body, a biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the body and the piston, and a foot support coupled to the body; a first connector having a first plate member coupled to one of the first frame member and the second frame member, the first connector further having a second plate member coupled to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member; and wherein the first plate member is coupled to the second plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the first configuration, and wherein the first plate member is not coupled to the second plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the second configuration.
 12. The bouncing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first frame member further includes a foot support adjustably coupled thereto.
 13. The bouncing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the foot support includes a collar at least partially encompassing the body therein and a footpad pivotably coupled to the collar.
 14. The bouncing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the footpad is adjustable between an unlock position and a locked position.
 15. The bouncing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the collar is adjustable between a first configuration where the collar is able to move axially along the body, and a second configuration where the collar is locked with respect to the body.
 16. The bouncing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first plate member includes a pin, and wherein the second plate member includes a slider defining a keyhole therein.
 17. The bouncing apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a second connector spaced a distance from the first connector, the second connector having a third plate member coupled to one of the first frame member and the second frame member, the second connector further having a fourth plate member coupled to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member.
 18. The bouncing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the third plate member is coupled to the fourth plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the first configuration, and wherein the third plate member is separate from the fourth plate member when the bouncing apparatus is in the second configuration.
 19. A bouncing apparatus having a first configuration and a second configuration, the bouncing apparatus comprising: a first frame member including, a substantially tubular body, a piston at least partially received within and vertically movable with respect to the body, a biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the body and the piston, a foot support adjustably coupled to the body, and a hand grip adjustably coupled to the body; a second frame member including, a substantially tubular body, a piston at least partially received within and vertically moveable with respect to the body, a biasing member extending between and in mechanical communication with the body and the piston, a foot support adjustably coupled to the body, and a hand grip adjustably coupled to the body; and a first connector having a first male member coupled to one of the first frame member and the second frame member, the first connector further having a first female member coupled to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member, and a second connector spaced a distance from the first connector, the second connector having a second male member coupled to one of the first frame member and the second frame member, the second connector also having a second female member coupled to the other of the first frame member and the second frame member; and wherein the first male member is coupled the first female member and the second male member is coupled to the second female member when the bouncing apparatus is in the first configuration, and wherein the first male member is separate from the first female member and the second male member is separate from the second female member when the bouncing apparatus is in the second configuration. 